NOBODY is more aware of the task ahead of her than Barbara Hackett, who seeks to defend her Irish Close Championship, sponsored by Lancome, when the event begins at Enniscrone today with 36 holes strokeplay qualifying.
Twelve months ago, Hackett captured the crown in a battle of the big hitters with former Curtis Cup player Lilian Behan at Tramore. The victory opened up opportunities for Hackett and invariably, the Castletroy player managed to make the most of those chances, including finishing as leading amateur in the British Open.
"I've had a good year," concedes Hackett, "but there are still plenty of targets out there to aim for." Apart from being on the panel - along with Eileen Rose Power for the British and Irish team's Vagliano Cup match with the continent of Europe in Sweden in July (the team will be announced shortly), Haekett is set to be a key member of the Irish team for the European Championships in Finland and the Home Internationals in Lahinch later in the season. The team for the Europeans will be chosen after Enniscrone.
And, to top it all off, Hackett has received an invitation back to the British Open at Sunningdale in August where she will once again rub shoulders with Annika Sorenstam et al.
Hackett, who worked hard over the winter with her coach Brendan McDaid, is looking forward to defending her title: "I'm playing pretty solidly and the course should suit a big hitter," she said. Hackett arrived in the Sligo seaside town on Saturday evening but contented herself with a walk of the course before actually playing it for the first time on Sunday.
The championship has attracted a very high quality entry with former champions Power, Laura Webb, Eavan Higgins and Mary McKenna chasing further silverware; but it is the presence of so many of the up and coming players which adds real spice. Elaine Dowdall, Alison Coffey, Pamela Murphy and Tricia Mangan are part of an emerging band of young golfers who are expected to make a significant impact on the destination of the title.
Paula Gorman is another player who has made huge strides in the past year, while Hazel Kavanagh, who showed a return to form when reclaiming the Leinster championship last month, and Suzanne Fanagan will also be real contenders for the championship.
The 36 holes strokeplay qualifying for the Leitrim Cup, won last year by Ada O'Sullivan, will take place today and tomorrow, with the top 32 players progressing to the matchplay stages when the real fireworks can be expected.
SOME of the country's top hurlers will be heading for the fairways of Mount Juliet on June 16th when the second annual Ollie Walsh Memorial Golf Classic takes place.
"The purpose of the classic is to raise funds to build a lasting memorial for a hurling legend, one of Irish sport's all time greats," said Alan Hoyne of the organising committee. The format is stableford teams of four players and Alan can be reached at 056 24272.
THE fifth annual Forte Post house Golf Classic in aid of St Francis Hospice, Raheny, will take place at Malahide on June 16th. Queries to Pauline Corcoran/Andrea Molloy at 01-844 4211.
WELLKNOWN optician Donal MacNally is behind the Golf Classic which takes place at Portmarnock Links on Thursday to raise funds for L'Arche, a charity which seeks to "take people out of institutional care and provide them with a home environment." He can be reached at 01 676 9452.
CARLOW'S Des Coakley shot a round of 70 to win the Sean McDermott Senior Scratch Cup at Athy Golf Club on Sunday, two shots clear of runner up Richard Kelly who led the challenge of the host club.
